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Why Kenyans Are Receiving KRA Penalty Messages
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out an aggressive campaign reminding individual taxpayers of their pending principal taxes ahead of the June 30, 2025, amnesty deadline. Those who settle their principal tax by this date will benefit from a 100% waiver on penalties and interest.
A sample message shared by a taxpayer read: “Our records indicate that you owe principal tax of Ksh 77,479.75 as at 31/12/2023. Please settle by 30/06/2025 to enjoy 100% waiver on penalties & interest.”
Mixed Reactions from Kenyans
The alerts have triggered confusion online. Some Kenyans expressed shock, claiming they were unaware of any unpaid taxes.
“Why am I getting messages that I owe tax for 2023, a year I was still on Campus?” wrote @aztronist on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user, @Prroh, stated, “Every year, I’ve paid my taxes and filed on time. Now I get this alert for the first time.”
Why You Might Owe KRA – Explained by Experts
Finance and tax consultant Peter Ndirangu explained that such messages may be triggered by several issues:
- Actual unpaid tax: A taxpayer filed a return but failed to pay.
- Filing errors: Forgetting to claim personal or insurance relief.
- PAYE reconciliation problems: Employer deducted tax but didn’t remit to KRA.
“If your employer didn’t remit PAYE properly, KRA’s system sees you as non-compliant,” Ndirangu said.
How to Check Your KRA Tax Status
To confirm whether you owe KRA anything, taxpayers can:
- Apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) via the iTax portal.
Navigate to Certificates > Apply for TCC. The system will notify you if there’s an issue. - Attempt to generate an eSlip under Payments > Payment Registration. If successful, no balance is pending.
- Visit a KRA office for assistance, especially if your issue involves employer-related discrepancies.
Ndirangu also warned that queues are expected due to last-minute rush.
What to Do Before June 30, 2025
If you owe KRA principal tax, paying before the deadline ensures all interest and penalties are written off—offering a clean slate under the amnesty program.
Taxpayers are encouraged to consult their employer, check past filings, and seek professional help if unsure of their tax records.
